A West Belfast man is to stand trial next year accused of brandishing a firearm on Christmas Day.

Matthew McMullan appeared in the dock of Belfast Crown Court yesterday with the aid of a walking stick for an arraignment hearing.

The 47-year-old, of Heath Lodge Close in Ballymurphy, is accused of making a threat to kill against his relative Gary McMullan. He is also accused of assaulting Mr McMullan, possessing a semi-automatic 9mm pistol with intent to endanger, possessing the firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and causing criminal damage to Lindsay McMurray's Vauxhall Astra car.

When the five charges were put to McMullan, he replied "not guilty" to all counts. The offences are alleged to have taken place on the evening of December 25 last year.